The bowl season gives fans and scouts alike a chance to analyze NFL Draft prospects against solid competition. Bowl scheduling allows all eyes to be on each game. Here are the NFL Draft prospects in the 2021 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl.
San Diego State Aztecs Draft Prospects
Cameron Thomas, Edge
Thomas has played for the Aztecs for three seasons, but really made a jump in production this year. He has 152 total tackles, 39 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in his career. This season was his best yet, as he has posted 68 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
His size will help him look the part of an NFL edge rusher at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds. Thomas has proven to be good against the run and pass this season, which has helped his stock. He is one of the biggest risers in the draft class and is now expected to be picked somewhere not far after the first round.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Fourth Round Pick
Matt Araiza, P
A punter is being mentioned? That’s just how good Araiza has been for the Aztecs. The man that has been nicknamed “Punt God” has 51.3 yards per punt average in his career. This season, he won the Ray Guy award and averaged 51.4 yards per punt. He has also kicked for the Aztecs making 73.1 percent of his field goals and 91 of 92 extra points over his three seasons.
Araiza has shown some athleticism in his 6-foot-2 and 200-pound frame. He is a threat to cover his own punts and kicks. Specialists don’t often get drafted, but with Araiza being able to flip the field so easily (he has had punts go over 80 yards), an NFL team will likely draft him earlier than fans expect.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Other Draft Prospects:Â TE Daniel Bellinger (UFA), LB Caden McDonald (UFA)
UTSA Roadrunners Draft Prospects
Tariq Woolen, CB
Woolen started his UTSA career at wide receiver, but made the change to corner after three seasons. Over his five years of eligibility, he has 63 total tackles, two interceptions and nine passes defended. During the 2021 season, he has 25 total tackles, one interception and five passes defended.
A lot of his draft stock is built on his 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame. The league is wanting bigger and longer corners and Woolen fits that mold. His experience on the offensive side of the ball will likely help him as well. He is currently projected to be a late-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Projected Draft Range: Fifth Round Pick-Seventh Round Pick
Spencer Buford, OT
Buford was the first four-star recruit to sign with UTSA in program history. He stepped into the starting lineup as a true freshman and started 10 games. In his sophomore season, he remained a starter and was an Honorable Mention All-C-USA. The next season, in 2020, he was Second Team All-C-USA. He continued his progression as a senior, as he was a First Team All-C-USA selection this season.
At 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds, Buford isn’t the biggest offensive lineman, but can still be successful in the NFL. His blocking has helped a very good rushing attack over his time at UTSA. With more development, he could end up being a solid NFL lineman. He is currently projected to be a late-round pick.
Projected Draft Range: Sixth Round Pick-Undrafted Free Agent
Other Draft Prospects:Â S Rashad Wisdom (6th-UFA), RB Sincere McCormick (6th-UFA), LB Trevor Harmanson (UFA)
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